When it comes to car trouble, few things are as nerve-wracking as faulty brakes. When your brakes start to fail, slip, slide, or stall, you are at risk of dangerous accidents.
The good news is that brakes rarely fail without warning. If you know what to look for, you can schedule brake repairs before an accident happens.
8 Signs You Need Brake Repairs
1. Brakes Squeal or Squeak
If your car squeals or squeaks whenever you get on the brake pedal, this is a sign you need brake repairs and it’s time for a brake pad replacement.
A high-pitched sound is your brake pads grinding on a built-in wear indicator, which is intended to alert drivers that their brake pads are low. Do not ignore this sound! Squealing brakes are a sign that you have bad brakes and you need to schedule a brake service to prevent your brakes from failing.
2. Grinding When You Brake
If you didn’t schedule brake pad repairs when you noticed squealing or squeaking, your brake pads will continue to wear, eventually making a grinding or growling noise. This is metal on metal, a sign your brakes are going bad.
Once your brake pads wear out completely, the metal part of the brake rubs directly against the rotor. To avoid brake repairs and rotor repairs at once, call immediately when you hear grinding noises from the brakes.
3. Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal
Have you heard people talk about a spongy brake pedal before? This is a sign of brake pedal issues that can be dangerous on the road.
If your brake pedal feels squishy or sinks too far before stopping, it is a sign you may have air or moisture in your brake lines. Other causes are a brake fluid leak or low brake fluid from another cause.
Always stop and check what is making your brake pedal soft. If brake fluid isn’t a problem, you will need a brake service appointment to bleed and check the brake lines.
4. The Car Pulls to One Side When Braking
Your car should not pull to one side when braking. If you notice this, it’s a sign of faulty brakes due to uneven brake pad wear, a stuck caliper, or brake fluid issues.
A quick appointment to diagnose bad brakes will easily find the issue. You can get back on the road quickly, and safely, with the right assistance. Don’t let bad brakes keep you sliding from side to side!
5. Vibrations or Shaking
When braking, do you notice vibrations or shaking in your brake pedal or steering wheel? This is a sign of warped rotors, which happens from overheating. This occurs when brake pads are worn or the vehicle experiences heavy braking.
Rotor repairs are simple for the pros at Hofmaster’s Auto Care, and we can find the underlying cause. Don’t let faulty brakes continue to damage your rotors and put you at risk for an accident.
6. Brake Warning Light
Never ignore a dashboard warning light when it comes on. Many drivers don’t think the brake light is a sign of brake repairs, but it’s the first indicator that your brakes are not working.
This light may be red or yellow, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Sometimes it’s as simple as needing brake fluid but it could also be a more serious alert. A local auto shop can run free diagnostics to tell you exactly what you need.
Not sure which dashboard light came on? See the 6 most common warning lights you should know.
7. Clicking When You Brake
Just like squealing, squeaking, and grinding, brakes should not click. If you hear a clicking when you brake, it’s a sign of loose hardware or a problem with your brake pads.
Always take a moment once a month to drive with your windows down and the music off to listen for noises that may indicate bad brakes. Noticing these signs early can lead to more affordable brake repairs and a safer time on the road.
8. Delayed Stopping
Finally, notice how long it takes for your car to stop. Old brakes that are worn will be thin, making your car take longer to stop. This is dangerous and risky, especially in sudden situations.
Sometimes it’s as easy as topping off the brake fluid, but don’t risk it. Let the experts check your brakes and recommend the best service to be safe on the road.
Brake Pedal Issues? Call Hoffmaster Auto
Catching brake problems early keeps you safer on the road and saves you from costly repairs down the line. If you’ve noticed any signs of old brakes or brakes that are not working, swing by Hoffmaster Auto Care in Silver Spring, MD. Our brake experts can inspect, diagnose, and fix any issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
Schedule your brake inspection with Hoffmaster Auto Care today and drive with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common signs that my brakes are going bad?
Common signs of bad brakes include squealing or grinding noises, a soft or spongy brake pedal, vibrations when braking, the car pulling to one side, or a brake warning light on your dashboard.
Why do my brakes make a squealing or grinding noise?
Squealing or grinding noises from your brakes mean the brake pads are worn out and metal parts are rubbing against the rotors. This requires immediate brake pad repairs.
What does it mean if my brake pedal feels soft or spongy?
A soft or spongy brake pedal usually means there’s air or moisture in the brake lines, or your brake fluid is low or leaking. You should have your brake system checked and the lines bled by a professional.
Why is my car pulling to one side when I brake?
If your car pulls to one side while braking, it could be due to uneven brake pad wear, a stuck caliper, or low brake fluid. A brake inspection will determine the exact cause.
When should I bring my car to Hoffmaster Auto Care for brake service?
You should visit Hoffmaster Auto Care as soon as you notice any signs of faulty or old brakes—such as noises, vibrations, delayed stopping, or warning lights—to prevent costly repairs and stay safe on the road.
Hoffmaster's Auto Care
Our mission at Hoffmaster’s Auto Care is to provide our customers with the highest level of car repair service and expertise, delivered with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Hoffmaster’s Auto Care in Silver Spring, MD has been in business for more than 40 years. All our technicians are ASE certified. You can rely on our experience and knowledge for high-quality auto repair and maintenance services.
